High-temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (HT-PEMFCs) are crucial for advancing hydrogen energy technologies, particularly in automotive applications. This study introduces sulfo-functionalized magnesium organophyllosilicate (SulfoMgPS) as a novel nanofiller for enhancing Nafion-based hybrid membranes. SulfoMgPS nanoparticles, synthesized via a co-condensation method, exhibit a unique layered structure with sulfonic acid (-SO3H) groups grafted onto brucite-like layers. These nanoparticles demonstrate exceptional hydrophilicity, with water uptake reaching 252 % at 100 % RH, and a high ion exchange capacity of 12.5 mmol g-1, supporting efficient proton conduction through the Grotthuss mechanism. Incorporating SulfoMgPS into Nafion produces nanocomposite membranes with remarkable structural and functional properties. The hybrid membrane with 3 % of filler loading (N-L3) achieved exceptional proton conductivity, up to sevenfold greater than filler-free Nafion under low humidity (30 % RH) across 30-120 degrees C. Single-cell tests revealed peak power densities of 1100 mW cm-2 under 100 % RH and 800 mW cm-2 under 25 % RH at 110 degrees C, outperforming many benchmarks. These results highlight the potential of SulfoMgPS nanofillers to overcome dehydration and thermal stability challenges in HT-PEMFCs, meeting stringent DOE targets for efficiency and durability.
SulfoMg organophyllosilicate − infused nafion membranes: overcoming hydration and stability challenges in HT-PEMFCs
Simari C.;Coppola L.;Nicotera I.
2025-01-01
Abstract
High-temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (HT-PEMFCs) are crucial for advancing hydrogen energy technologies, particularly in automotive applications. This study introduces sulfo-functionalized magnesium organophyllosilicate (SulfoMgPS) as a novel nanofiller for enhancing Nafion-based hybrid membranes. SulfoMgPS nanoparticles, synthesized via a co-condensation method, exhibit a unique layered structure with sulfonic acid (-SO3H) groups grafted onto brucite-like layers. These nanoparticles demonstrate exceptional hydrophilicity, with water uptake reaching 252 % at 100 % RH, and a high ion exchange capacity of 12.5 mmol g-1, supporting efficient proton conduction through the Grotthuss mechanism. Incorporating SulfoMgPS into Nafion produces nanocomposite membranes with remarkable structural and functional properties. The hybrid membrane with 3 % of filler loading (N-L3) achieved exceptional proton conductivity, up to sevenfold greater than filler-free Nafion under low humidity (30 % RH) across 30-120 degrees C. Single-cell tests revealed peak power densities of 1100 mW cm-2 under 100 % RH and 800 mW cm-2 under 25 % RH at 110 degrees C, outperforming many benchmarks. These results highlight the potential of SulfoMgPS nanofillers to overcome dehydration and thermal stability challenges in HT-PEMFCs, meeting stringent DOE targets for efficiency and durability.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
